May 9, 2013 — Since the 2007 southern California wildfires, wildfire preparedness has become an ever-increasing item of importance for everyone located within the region. For the sixth year running, the Marine Corps hosted training at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, located about 30 miles north of San Diego, allowing civilian and military firefighting personnel to train together, getting ready for “the big one” when it comes from the east, mostly likely fueled by the dry brush and Santa Ana winds.
This year’s drill saw not only the integration of civilian and military aerial assets, but, according to Marine spokesperson Lt. Col. Dana Gemmingen, the addition of Marine bulldozers cutting fire breaks at two locations on base, federal firefighters working firelines in the simulated fire zones and preparations for a major disaster on San Clemente Island, located off the coast from Camp Pendleton. The island, which is accessible only by boat and aircraft, would need assistance from the mainland if a catastrophe should occur. In that case, United States Navy LCAC’s (landing craft air cushion) would be loaded with firefighting and emergency essentials for transport to the island.
As the drill began, two Marine bulldozers began working a fire break west of the “fire zone” as federal firefighters headed up a hill to deploy hand lines east of the fire. Under the direction of Chief Ray Chaney, CAL FIRE Air Boss, the Sheriff’s helicopter began aerial recon as Marine CH-46E Sea Knight and United States Navy MH-60S Seahawk helicopters approached with Bambi Buckets slung underneath. Hovering over a small lake, the helicopters dipped down, filling the Bambi Buckets with hundreds of gallons of water. Gaining altitude, the aircraft entered into a right-hand flight pattern, dropping water as directed and then heading back to the lake for another fill-up.
Following the completion of the drill, John Winder, assistant deputy director of Fire Protection Operations for CAL FIRE, explained how the military in southern California provides essential surge capabilities for firefighting agencies when the need arises. When a number of criteria have been met, military assets can be brought into the fight, providing a dramatic increase in capability. Winder explained that the program has been so successful that it is being looked at nation-wide for implementation when needed.
